To the Editor:

I've worked alongside Kim Fawcett during her campaign in Newtown and endorse her for State Senate.

Kim cares. She listens.

Kim is highly knowledgeable about the intricacies of state government, with transportation a special area of focus. When she talks with constituents, she dispels misinformation that is out there – and there is a lot.

Kim works on both sides of the aisle. She’s been elected four times to the 133rd district in Fairfield, which is evenly split between the two parties.

Kim is a tenacious advocate for important to her district. I've heard her on the phone with state officials refusing to back down about a safety barrier at the Fairfield Rest Area to protect residents.

Kim is a real person! She doesn't just appear in photo ops or in the mail during campaign season. She has visited hundreds of Newtown residents in the past five months, at their homes and events in town. My family ran the Mad Dash with her family in June, so she could experience this fun new tradition in Newtown – yes, we were spattered with mud. She even puts her personal cell phone number on her handouts and mailings!

Kim is our bulwark against those who seek to weaken gun safety legislation passed in CT after the Sandy Hook tragedy. She immediately supported meaningful action, and did not wait to see which way the political winds would blow – and did not bow to pressures from the gun industry. Do not give the gun industry a victory in this election! Vote for Kim.

The same arguments apply to two other highly qualified candidates on the ballot Tuesday: Governor Dannel Malloy and 106th district candidate Matt Cole of Newtown. Matt has actual community service and leadership on his resume, grew up here, and has great potential to be a strong and empathetic leader.

The governor is highly knowledgeable, listens to all sides, and makes the tough choices. He also cares: I saw him in Newtown countless times following the worst school shooting in history in our town. You could not ask for a leader who cares more about us and our community. So please do not believe the empty political rhetoric against him.

Join me in coming out on Tuesday to vote for Kim Fawcett, Matt Cole and Governor Dannel Malloy.

Lisa Romano

28 The Boulevard, Newtown                        October 29, 2014